The RecruiterGuy.com Blog is written for executives, corporate recruiters, third party recruiters, and candidates. Based on recruitment, recruitment consulting, and training since 1981 across many industries, Bill Humbert is an expert Contract Recruiter Consultant,Public Speaker, and Author of "RecruiterGuy's Guide to Finding a Job".

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Focus Fridays - Renewable Energy Director of Construction

Acciona is a global pioneer in contributing to sustainable worldwide development through its main lines of business: development and management of infrastructure and real estate projects, provision of transport, urban and environmental services, and development and operation of renewable energies. Acciona Energy is the world’s largest developer of wind energy power production.

Based at our North America corporate headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, Acciona Energy North America seeks a dynamic multi-task individual to manage the everyday activities of the construction of wind farms, solar farms and any other renewable energy source. The Director of Construction is a new and very important position within Acciona Energy NA. This position is one of two Directors of Construction that reports to the VP of Construction.

Responsibilities:The Director of Construction supervises the work of construction and technical staff, consultants and contractors involved in construction of wind energy generation facilities and associated high voltage power systems projects.

Responsible for planning, directing, and implementing regulated utility scale wind energy generation construction projects and processes in a timely, safe and environmentally conscious manner. Leverage previous large scale construction experience and skills to maintain and improve competitive position and profitability. Responsible for hiring, training and developing construction project managers, superintendents and staff to execute company’s rate based wind farm construction initiative. Participate in turbine specification review, turbine foundation and construction specifications. Work with the wind assessment team to participate in wind turbine siting. Manage cost and schedule. Assist with the coordination of equipment start-up and performance testing. Report on activities to the VP of Construction and the executive team.

This professional is responsible for guidance and assessment of personnel performing work for the construction organization, and the selection and management of outside consulting resources. Consults with various business unit representatives to identify process improvement opportunities and promote a service partnership linkage to complete projects on time and on budget. Interface with technical, engineering, maintenance, financial and procurement support personnel.

Develops and models an environment of teamwork and empowers employees through the effective use of leadership practices and principles. This person provides leadership to the project management team to ensure that project safety, quality, budget, and scheduling goals are met.

Safety is a priority of Acciona Energy NA. The Director of Construction must ensure that a safe construction culture is embraced by Acciona Energy NA employees and contractors. This requires observing and enforcing safety rules and practices, encouraging safe work behaviors, and promptly correcting conditions and unsafe behaviors which may lead to accidents. With the assistance of the safety department, investigates accidents and safety incidents. This professional is responsible for communicating safety investigation information to managers. Understands and enforces rules set by regulatory bodies (i.e. DOT, OSHA, DNR, etc.).

Manage workload, material resources, budgets, and budget performance. This includes development and management of budgets to include labor, material, equipment, employee expenses and contracting expenses. Manage the smooth coordination among processes by working with the project team.

The Director of Construction communicates company policies, programs and procedures as necessary.

Understands and interprets multiple contracts and consistently manages the terms and conditions outlined in such contracts.

Requirements: The candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications, and have demonstrated the following technical or job skills:

Education and/or experience equivalent to a BS Engineering degree from an accredited college.

Must have a minimum of six years experience as a Director of Construction or Construction Manager, preferably on wind energy construction or utility scale projects. Must demonstrate success on safety, quality, budget, and on target completion of large scale utility or infrastructure projects. This professional must be a team player but have the wherewithal to make hard decisions.

Demonstrated leadership skills are required. Understanding of project management methods and application to managing work is required. Demonstrate the ability to achieve results with a minimum amount of direction. Working knowledge of medium and high voltage electric operating practices, construction standards, work methods, equipment, maintenance practices and materials is required.

Working knowledge of the budget process and how to interpret and understand financial reports and financial evaluations. The Director of Construction must demonstrate excellent communications skills including verbal, written, and presentation.

Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

This position requires 50% travel.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a reference check, background investigation, drug test, and physical (including demonstrating the ability to climb a 280 foot wind tower).

Acciona Energy North America believes its employees are its most important asset. We offer very competitive compensation, and benefits including Medical and Dental insurance, 401(k), employer paid Life and Long Term Care insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Referral Bonuses, Paid Time Off, and Short and Long Term Disability insurance.